Magnus Carlsen vs Sam Shankland
GM Magnus Carlsen (2823) · GM Sam Shankland (2658)
Magnus Carlsen and Sam Shankland have played 10 recorded games against each other, the first in Jan 2019 and the most recent in Jun 2025. Carlsen leads 7 wins to 0, with 3 draws (70% of the games were decisive). Their most common battleground is the Sicilian (2 games). The average game between them lasted 34 moves.
Results by color
| Split | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Shankland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsen with White | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Shankland with White | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Results by time format
| Format | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Shankland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blitz | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Classical | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Rapid | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Openings in their games
| ECO | Opening | Games | Carlsen | Draws | Shankland |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B50 | Sicilian | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| A11 | English Opening: Slav Setup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B00 | Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| B41 | English Opening | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| D00 | Saragossa Opening | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| D31 | Queen's Gambit Declined | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| D32 | Queen's Gambit Declined | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A05 | Réti Opening: Symmetrical Defense | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
All games
| Date | White | Black | Result | Opening | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | Magnus Carlsen | Sam Shankland | 1-0 | Sicilian | Titled Tue Early |
| Mar 2025 | Sam Shankland | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | English Opening | Titled Tue Early |
| Dec 2024 | Magnus Carlsen | Sam Shankland | 1/2-1/2 | Indian Defense | World Blitz 2024 |
| Nov 2024 | Magnus Carlsen | Sam Shankland | 1-0 | Réti Opening: Symmetrical Defense | Titled Tue Early |
| Aug 2024 | Magnus Carlsen | Sam Shankland | 1-0 | Sicilian | Titled Tue Late |
| Apr 2024 | Sam Shankland | Magnus Carlsen | 0-1 | Nimzowitsch Defense: Scandinavian Variation | Titled Tue Early |
| May 2022 | Magnus Carlsen | Sam Shankland | 1-0 | Saragossa Opening | Chessable Masters Prelim |
| Jan 2022 | Sam Shankland | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Queen's Gambit Declined | 84th Tata Steel Masters |
| Feb 2021 | Magnus Carlsen | Sam Shankland | 1-0 | English Opening: Slav Setup | Opera Euro Rapid Prelim |
| Jan 2019 | Sam Shankland | Magnus Carlsen | 1/2-1/2 | Queen's Gambit Declined | 81st Tata Steel Masters |
Interactive board, all 10 games, opening explorer and engine analysis.
Browse the gamesFrequently asked questions
What is the head-to-head score between Magnus Carlsen and Sam Shankland?
In 10 recorded games, Magnus Carlsen has 7 wins, Sam Shankland has 0 wins, and they have drawn 3 times.
How many times have Magnus Carlsen and Sam Shankland played each other?
Our database records 10 games between them, from Jan 2019 to Jun 2025.
What openings do Magnus Carlsen and Sam Shankland play against each other?
The most common opening in their games is the Sicilian (2 games), followed by the English Opening: Slav Setup (1). The full opening breakdown and every game are on this page.